Alaska, United States

    Carlo Rock

    Why dive here

    With 58+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - Carlo Rock offers some of Alaska's richest wreck diving.

    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Orcas and Seals & Sea Lions · 58+ species recorded
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Carlingford is a cracking example of Great Lakes wreck diving, exactly what we look for when exploring these historic waters. She’s a timber schooner, remarkably intact, and it’s the sense of history that really gets us here. You can almost feel the chill of the original sinking. We love following the line of her hull, tracing the ribs and imagining the deck above. The visibility here can be tricky, especially after a good blow, but on a calm day, with the sun shafting through the water, it’s magical. The real draw, beyond the history, is the way the lake has reclaimed her. Freshwater mussels cling to every surface, and we’ve often spotted the odd Shorthead Redhorse nosing around the deeper sections of the wreck. Penetration is possible for experienced wreck divers, but we always advocate for a good light and plenty of training before you consider it. For most, an exterior tour is plenty rewarding. The stern is our favourite part, where the rudder still sits largely in place, a silent testament to her final moments. It’s a site that suits divers who appreciate historical context over colourful reefs, and who don’t mind the bracing chill of Canadian freshwater. Come prepared for the cold; a drysuit is non-negotiable in our book.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Today04:3618:5414h 18m daylightGolden hour 18:06

    Carlo Rock Wreck History

    Year Sunk

    1919

    Vessel Type

    barge

    Cause

    storm

    Tonnage

    867 GRT

    The Carlingford was a steel schooner-barge built in 1896, part of a fleet of unpowered vessels designed to be towed by steamers across the Great Lakes. In late November 1919, the Carlingford, laden with 90,000 bushels of barley, was under tow by the steamer G.G. Barnum. They were caught in one of the infamous and violent Great Lakes storms. The tow line snapped, leaving the Carlingford and its crew at the mercy of the tempest. The vessel foundered and sank, though thankfully, its crew was rescued by the G.G. Barnum before she went down.

    Today, the Carlingford rests upright and remarkably intact in the cold, preserving waters of Lake Superior. The wreck is a favorite among technical divers due to its depth and condition. Divers can explore the decks, see the intact masts, and peer into the cargo holds still filled with barley. The site serves as a poignant reminder of the power of the Great Lakes and the perils faced by sailors during the golden age of steam and sail.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Carlo Rock

    Carlo Rock Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Carlo Rock, sourced from NOAA buoy data - nearest station: Open-Meteo grid (55.23, -4) (0km away)

    August Averages

    Air Temperature

    12.7°C

    55°F

    Wind Speed

    5.31 m/s

    10.3 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1012.9 hPa

    Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC

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